The Portuguese MotoGP Grand Prix has been postponed by one week following changes to the championship calendar caused by the Iran war.
MotoGP organisers announced on Sunday that the Qatar race, originally scheduled for the weekend of April 10–12, has been moved to November 6–8.
The change has forced adjustments to the final rounds of the MotoGP World Championship, including the Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão.
Originally planned to be held from November 13 to 15, the Portuguese race will now take place from November 20 to November 22. The season finale in Valencia has also been pushed back a week and will now run from November 27 to November 29.
MotoGP chief executive Carmelo Ezpeleta said the decision was taken carefully and in coordination with partners.
“Our main concern is the safety and well-being of everyone involved in MotoGP, as well as ensuring the championship takes place under the highest standards,” he said.
Ezpeleta also thanked the organisers of the Portimão and Valencia circuits “for the flexibility shown”, which helped ensure what he described as a smooth adjustment to the calendar.
The decision was supported by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), led by Portuguese president Jorge Viegas.
“We fully support the decision to reschedule the Qatar GP. Given the current geopolitical situation, safeguarding our riders, teams, officials and fans must always come first,” he said.
Viegas added he was confident the revised calendar would allow the Qatar race to take place safely and under the best possible conditions.
The Algarve International Circuit has also clarified that the one-week postponement “does not affect fans who have already purchased tickets,” which will be valid for the new dates.
Tickets remain on sale via the racetrack’s website.
